Feb 21, 2017

Vestaron, OHP Sign Marketing Agreement

OHP, a marketer of crop protection solutions for the production ornamentals market, will partner with Vestaron Corp. of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Under the terms of the agreement effective immediately, OHP will market SpearO, a greenhouse bioinsecticide that controls thrips, whiteflies, and spider mites, pests that are regularly cited as toughest to control for greenhouse ornamental growers.

“We are excited to bring Spear O to the market as another tool for the greenhouse ornamental grower,” says Dan Stahl, OHP vice president and general manager. “Whether a grower relies on conventional or a biological insecticide approach or a combination of the two, Spear O is a great choice.”

Vestaron is a privately-held biotechnology company that specializes in the development of bioinsecticides derived from naturally-occurring peptides.

Spear O should be used in much the same manner as other insect and mite control products, notes Carlos Bográn, OHP technical manager.

“Growers are accustomed to treating regularly for insect and mite control. We recommend that Spear O be used as part of a pest management program utilizing different products with dissimilar modes of action,” says Bográn.

Spear O is a toxin-derived bioinsecticide that provides effective control of these three pests without harming honey bees, fish, birds, humans, and other mammals, according to Vestaron.

“It’s the first time that a venom-peptide has been developed for use as a bioinsecticide,” notes Bográn.

With a dual mode of action, resistance to the bioinsecticide is unlikely to develop, says Bográn.

More information may be found at www.ohp.com and vestaron.com.